IPL 2026: RCB bring in England pacer as Injury Replacement who dismissed Virat Kohli on his Debut

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed experienced English fast bowler Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.

The move, announced today by IPL, comes at a fee of ₹1.6 crore and aims to strengthen RCB’s bowling resources as they push for a strong finish in the league stage.

Thushara, who was retained by RCB ahead of the season for ₹1.6 crore, failed to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after falling short in mandatory fitness tests, particularly the 2-km run standards. Despite previous IPL appearances with Mumbai Indians in 2024 and a brief stint in 2025, the 31-year-old slinger’s fitness concerns led to the denial. Thushara even approached the Colombo District Court seeking intervention but later withdrew the petition, effectively ruling him out for the season.

The development has left RCB, already dealing with other pace concerns earlier in the tournament, in need of reinforcements. Gleeson, at 38, brings a wealth of T20 experience and proven credentials in high-pressure leagues. The tall, hit-the-deck seamer generates extra bounce and impressive pace, making him effective in middle overs and death situations. He has represented England in T20Is, notably dismissing top Indian batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant on debut in 2022.

In recent franchise cricket, Gleeson shone for Islamabad United in the PSL 2026, picking up notable hauls including a three-wicket performance. He has prior IPL exposure with Chennai Super Kings (2024) and Mumbai Indians (2025), though he went unsold in the 2026 mega auction at a base price of ₹75 lakh. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver yorkers at the death makes him a tactical fit for RCB’s attack, which features the likes of Josh Hazlewood and others.

Gleeson is expected to join the RCB camp shortly and could feature in upcoming matches, adding firepower to a bowling attack that will be tested in the business end of IPL 2026.